Mum's Monday: The Lion King (Live action 2019)

Having seen the animated and stage show version of this film, I thought I would see what this new version was like.

Apart from the animals talking, singing, the slight colouring/shades that don’t quite look natural and no commentary, this could almost be a wildlife documentary of how animals are in the wilds of Africa. This is a compliment to how well the animated version was realistic enough to transfer scene by almost scene to this live action one with a few slight exceptions.

There is still the sad part where young Simba (voiced by JD McCrary) loses his father in the stampede. We know from ‘Save the wildlife’ adverts that animals have feelings. Where these adverts connect with the adults, this can be an opportunity to connect with the children and teach them at a young age about preventing animal cruelty. It can certainly be seen as a good opportunity, opening up the topic for discussion first of all.

I am not going to criticize this film simply because who’d have thought that a wildlife animated film could transfer to the stage show? And it did in a spectacular and successful way with amazing costumes worn by the cast. I actually think this live action version is better than the animation and quite possibly should have been made first or even instead of.

This film certainly teaches by giving a better understanding of how the dynamics of wildlife works. I can see it better in this film compared to the animated one.

An inspired idea.